Neri hits critics for opposing appointment as SSS chief

MANILA, Philippines - Incoming Social Security System (SSS) president Romulo Neri on Friday slammed critics for questioning his appointment based on his involvement in the controversial $329.48-million national broadband network (NBN) deal. A radio report quoted Neri as saying that his credibility shouldn’t be measured by his involvement in the scandal, noting that he did not even accept the P200-million bribe offered him in exchange for the approval of the NBN project. “Nakita niyo naman I did not accept the P200 million. Ito masama talaga ang loob ko sa mga nagbabatikos sa akin e, especially mga politiko (You have seen it, I did not accept the P200 million. These criticisms are really hurting me, especially coming from politicians)," dzXL radio quoted Neri as saying. Neri also assuaged fears that with his appointment as SSS president, Malacañang would now be able to influence the handling of SSS investment funds, which are actually contributions from member-employees of private companies throughout the country. He assured that he will not allow himself to be pressured by anyone, especially if it involves sacrificing the funds of private employees, the report said. “Itong mga health benefits, hindi pwedeng pakialaman yan. Itong mga microfinance na programs, mahirap pakialaman ng pulitika yan (The health benefits can’t be touched. Politics can’t meddle with microfinance programs as well)," Neri said. Neri, however, said this is not an assurance that all investments entered into by the agency will yield good results, citing inherent investment risks. “I cannot promise na sigurado ang mangyayari na maganda ang ating investment (I cannot promise that we’re sure to have good investments)," Neri said. “Yung mga investment for example sa government bonds medyo safe yan pero mababa ang returns. Sa stock market ay medyo mataas pero risky. Minsan kikita ka, minsan di ka kikita. It depends on our investment policy (Investments, for example, in government bonds are safe but yield low returns. Investments in the stock market yield better results but are riskier. Sometimes, you earn from investments, sometimes you don't. If depends on our investment policy)," he added. On Friday, ZTE-NBN “whistleblower" Jose de Venecia III said he believes Neri has the capability to run the SSS, but is hampered because of his clamming up on the ZTE mess during a Senate investigation. "Kaya niyang i-fill ang shoes ni Corazon dela Paz at i-administer ang pension na yan sa mabuting paraan. Ang problema kasi kay Romy Neri, pag lagi mo sinasabi pangalan ni Romy Neri, isip mo lagi ang ZTE controversy at executive privilege (I believe he can fill the shoes of Corazon dela Paz and administer the pension well. But the problem with Romy Neri is that when you mention his name, the ZTE controversy and his repeated invocation of executive privilege automatically come to mind)," De Venecia said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Neri, who was the former director general of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), was widely criticized for his reluctance to divulge information on the cotnroversial deal other than saying that resigned Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos offered him a bribe for the approval of the $329.5 million project. "Tanggalin mo ang controversy kay Neri (Just remove that controversy involving Neri), he is capable of being SSS president. I'm comfortable with him being president and CEO of SSS," De Venecia said. Neri will take on his new post starting August 1, replacing outgoing SSS president Corazon dela Paz, who cited old age, health reasons, and her desire to return to the private sector as the reasons behind her resignation. - Johanna Camille Sisante, GMANews.TV